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To have joyful and safe rides on your marine engine, you must be prepared for anything that could go wrong on the water. This includes knowing what tools for personal watercrafts you should carry with you. Find out more about this with this post by Hartmans Inc in Wichita, KS.

Owning a personal watercraft (PWC), like a Sea-Doo, Yamaha WaveRunner, or Kawasaki Jet Ski, means freedom on the water and fun in the sun. But to keep your rides running smooth, you’ll need more than just gas and good weather. Having the right tools on hand can help you perform regular maintenance, troubleshoot minor issues, and even avoid costly repairs.

Whether you’re a first-time owner or a seasoned rider, here are the must-have tools for personal watercrafts that every owner should have, including those crucial for engine care and maintenance.

Don’t forget to include the best products for your marine engine’s maintenance in your toolkit. Call Hartmans Inc in Wichita, KS at (316) 686-1069 or visit AMSOIL’s online store to learn more.

Essential Tools for Personal Watercrafts

1. Basic Tool Kit

Start with a standard marine-grade tool kit, ideally with:

Socket set (metric and SAE)
Allen wrenches
Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
Pliers (needle-nose and channel-lock)
Adjustable wrench

These tools cover everything from removing engine covers and seats to tightening hose clamps and battery terminals.

Pro Tip: Stainless steel tools resist corrosion better around saltwater.

2. Spark Plug Wrench or Socket

PWCs rely on clean, properly gapped spark plugs to run efficiently. A spark plug socket (with rubber grip insert) makes removing and installing plugs safe and easy.

Keep a few extra new spark plugs in your toolkit, too. If your engine is misfiring or hard to start, a bad spark plug could be the cause.

3. Flush Kit or Hose Adapter

Engine care doesn’t stop at the dock. After each ride, especially in saltwater, it’s essential to flush the engine with freshwater to remove salt, sand, and debris. Most PWCs have a dedicated flush port that connects to a garden hose via an adapter.

Look for a marine flush kit that’s compatible with your brand. Forgetting to flush your engine can lead to overheating, corrosion, and expensive repairs.

4. Battery Charger or Tender

PWCs have relatively small batteries that can drain quickly, especially if you're riding infrequently or storing the craft for winter. A 12V trickle charger or battery tender helps keep the battery in good shape between rides and during the offseason.

Choose a charger with an automatic shutoff to prevent overcharging. It's a small investment that extends the life of your battery and ensures your craft starts when you’re ready to hit the water.

Ready to maintain your personal watercraft properly? Check out AMSOIL’s full-line of Marine Engine maintenance products!

5. Oil Change Supplies

If you have a 4-stroke PWC, regular oil changes are critical to protect the engine. While many riders prefer to have a professional do this, others tackle it at home. You’ll need:

Oil extractor pump
Funnel
Marine-grade oil (manufacturer-recommended, often 10W-40)
Oil filter wrench
Drain pan and rags

An oil extractor pump pulls oil out through the dipstick tube, especially helpful since PWCs don’t always have a traditional drain plug.

6. Cleaning and Detailing Gear

Regular cleaning protects both aesthetics and mechanical parts. Keep the following on hand:

Marine-safe soap
Microfiber cloths
Hull cleaner
UV protectant spray (for vinyl and plastic)
Salt remover spray (especially important for saltwater use)

Washing your PWC after every ride helps remove salt, scum, and dirt that can degrade finishes and materials over time.

7. Winterization Tools for Personal Watercrafts (Seasonal)

If you live in a colder climate like Maine, Kansas, or northern North Carolina, winterizing your PWC is essential. Tools and supplies to winterize include: